New Delhi, Dec 17 (Reporter) Former Prime Minister and Rajya Sabha member HD Devegowda, while marking the 75th anniversary of the adoption of India’s Constitution, on Tuesday shared an emotional account of his personal journey shaped by the democratic framework. Reflecting on the days of the Emergency (1975-77), Deve Gowda recounted how his imprisonment during that period took a toll on his family, leading to his father’s death. "The mental pressure of my imprisonment deeply affected my father, and he eventually passed away. It was a traumatic time for many who believed in democracy and stood by their convictions," he said during his address in the Upper House. Despite these hardships, Gowda credited the Constitution for enabling his rise in politics, overcoming barriers of caste and poverty. "As the son of a poor farmer, from a remote village and the bottom of the caste order, I could become Chief Minister and Prime Minister only because our Constitution made it possible," he said. "My rise gave hope to countless citizens. It was a celebration of the potential and diversity of this nation." He also highlighted the lessons India learned during the Emergency. "The liberties and freedoms guaranteed by the Constitution became more precious during that period when nearly the entire political opposition was jailed," he said, urging younger generations to remember the sacrifices made to uphold democracy. The former Prime Minister paid rich tributes to Dr BR Ambedkar and the drafting committee of the Constitution for their visionary leadership in framing a document that has shaped modern India. Gowda also highlighted the success of coalition governments as a testament to the Constitution’s robustness. "I ran a coalition of 13 parties for the first time. Adhering closely to the Constitution helped us avoid major mistakes and deliver an economic record and democratic credentials that were well recognised," he said. In conclusion, Gowda called for collective efforts to preserve the sanctity of the Constitution. "The effort to remain closer to the word and spirit of our Constitution is a continuous one. We must never give up that effort," he urged...////...